According to the Philadelphia Daily News, on Jan. 1, the Philadelphia police department will implement a new policy that revamps their interrogation techniques to protect the rights of those being interrogated.

In its Dec. 19 cover story "Playback's A Switch," the Daily News looked to Professor Donald Tibbs for his thoughts on part of the new policy which requires officers to remind witnesses that they can terminate the interview at any time.

Tibbs, whose expertise focuses on the overlapping issues of race, law, civil rights and criminal procedure, suggested the new policy was a much-needed improvement to current practices. “Most people don’t feel comfortable enough to get up and leave,” Tibbs said. “They presume they’re not able to do so, even if they’re not under arrest.”